I use the Elmers glue stick and have never had an issue with the needle gunking up. I spread it on and iron down the binding...done! It will stay put while you sew, whether it be by hand or machine. When the binding is all done, I throw the quilt in the washer to get that final crinkly look. The glue stick all washes out with no residue. And you can get the glue sticks pretty cheap right now at Walmart....I think I paid $.40 for two so I stocked up.